Contributing to the world of ideas is what I believe all musicians strive to do -- jazz artists especially. It's why I write: to share and discover ideas. It's fun.
One artist boldly sharing his ideas with the world is Baltimore trumpeter, composer and bandleader Brandon Woody. A Blue Note Records artist, Woody recently released his soulful debut album, "For the Love of It All."
Woody leads the band Upendo, featuring Troy Long on keys, Quincy Phillips on drums, and Michael Saunders on bass. The album also includes guest appearances by vocalist Imani-Grace and Vittoria Stropoli on auxiliary synth.
Among the album's six tracks, my personal favorites are "Never Gonna Run Away," "Perseverance," and "Real Love Pt. 1." Woody's lyrical playing and rich tone complement his bandmates -- especially Long on keys.
In a conversation with Blue Note President Don Was, Woody reflected on the album's core message: love. "Love is something that sees no boundaries," he said. "It's truly what has brought this band together and where it's gotten us to this title. It's what's keeping us on this path. Not only our love for each other, but for the love of this music, and love for the people that it impacts, and the communities that it lives in"
More good news from Blue Note
Labelmate Joshua Redman, the acclaimed saxophonist, composer and bandleader, is set to release his second album with the label, "Words Fall Short," on June 20. The first two singles -- "A Message to Unsend" and "So It Goes" -- are already available.
Redman is a seasoned veteran whose music offers precision, maturity and generosity. He plays with a clarity that feels like an invitation to the listener: Here is something beautiful -- enjoy. His band shares a spark with him that keeps you listening closely and wanting more.
Jazz week highlights
A happy heavenly birthday to the late, great Red Garland (May 13, 1923 - April 23, 1984). Garland, born in Dallas, was just 60 when he passed. He remains my favorite pianist. I love his albums "A Garland of Red," "All Kinds of Weather," and "Red Garland's Piano" (Rudy Van Gelder Remaster). His piano trios, block chord style, and near-human voicings continue to inspire.
Congratulations to Monifa Brown, radio host and global jazz tastemaker at WBGO 88.3 (Newark Public Radio), on her new Monday morning show, "The Hard Bop Café" (6-8 am). "Serving up Hard Bop just the way you like it," Brown closed her first May 12 broadcast with a perfect groove by pianist John Hicks. I'll be tuning in -- Hard Bop is my favorite way to start the day. Brown also hosts on Saturdays, so check her out then, too.
Looking ahead
Mark your calendars: The Messthetics and saxophonist James Brandon Lewis will perform Saturday, Sept. 5, 2025, at The Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis.
To prepare, spin their recent release, "The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis," out now on Impulse! Records. Released March 15, 2024, this album showcases Lewis's ambition and originality. His tenor sax voice is bold and fresh, adding a new edge to a long lineage of jazz greats. He captures what it feels like to play jazz in the 21st century.